On July 20th and July 23rd, 2025, NASA’s Psyche spacecraft captured images of Earth and the Moon from a distance of approximately 290 million km (180 million miles). The spacecraft’s twin cameras took several long exposure photographs, showcasing the two celestial bodies as glimmering dots in the sunlight against the backdrop of the Aries constellation.

Psyche is NASA’s mission aimed at studying metal-rich asteroids located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

This mission marks NASA’s first endeavor to examine asteroids composed primarily of metal rather than rock and ice.

Psyche launched on October 13, 2023, at 10:19 AM aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from the Kennedy Space Center.

By August 2029, the spacecraft will begin its exploration of asteroids that scientists believe are remnants of planetary cores due to their high metal content.

“The multispectral imager equipment features a pair of identical cameras equipped with filters and telescope lenses designed to capture the asteroid’s surface using light across various wavelengths,” stated a member of the mission’s science team.

“The color and shape of the asteroid’s spectrum can provide insights into its composition.”

“For instance, the Moon and the large asteroid Vesta exhibit similar spectral ‘bumps and wiggles’ that scientists could potentially identify in Psyche.”

Researchers are interested in Psyche as it may enhance our understanding of how rocky planets with metallic cores, including Earth, were formed.

When selecting targets for imaging tests and calibration, they seek bodies that reflect sunlight similarly to Psyche.

This allows for comparisons with previous data obtained from telescopes or spacecraft observing these familiar spectral objects.

Earlier this year, Psyche pointed its cameras toward Jupiter and Mars for calibration purposes, and the results were successful.

To monitor changes in imager performance, researchers are also comparing data from various tests.

This ensures that when the spacecraft enters orbit around Psyche, the equipment will function as anticipated.

“We’re thrilled about the opportunity to further our understanding through our efforts,” remarked Dr. Jim Bell, Psyche Imager Instrument Lead at Arizona State University.

“We gather ‘trading cards’ from these distinct celestial bodies and run them through the calibration pipeline to ensure data accuracy.”

Psyche wasn’t the only instrument that underwent successful checkouts in July 2025.

The mission team also tested the spacecraft’s magnetometer and gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer, a routine procedure conducted every six months.

“Everything is operational and functioning well,” stated Dr. Bob Mas, the mission project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“We aim to fly by Mars in May 2026, having accomplished all planned activities for the cruise phase.”

“This flyby represents the next significant milestone for the spacecraft, utilizing the gravitational pull of Mars to assist in reaching Psyche.”

“This will be the first of two planned loops around the solar system, marking the initial 1.6 billion km (1 billion miles) journey since its launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in October 2023.”